POLICE are urging residents to be aware of bogus callers over the festive period.

In the run-up to Christmas there is often an increase in distraction burglaries in which the elderly and vulnerable are the most common victims.

A bogus caller may claim to be from an official body such as the water board or a gas company.

Many are rogue traders who offer to carry out work for a set fee and then increase the charges having carried out a poor standard of work – or no work at all.

In some cases, offenders have been known to pretend to have lost a cat or kicked a ball into a garden.

This year police are determined to put the freeze on con men and are urging residents to be on their guard.

Superintendent Jon Betts said: “Burglary by its very nature is cruel as it targets people in the place they should feel safest – their home.

“But distraction burglaries and bogus caller incidents are particularly abhorrent as criminals are deliberately setting out to cause misery for the elderly and most vulnerable members of society.

“Research nationally has shown that the average age of a distraction burglary victim is 81, with three quarters of the victims being women and a further three quarters living alone.

“When younger victims are involved often they are vulnerable in other ways either by virtue of mental of physical health issues.

“This is a despicable crime, but, thankfully, it is one that can be guarded against.”

He said: “Thankfully these crimes are relatively rare although we are aware that many never get reported to the police as the victims feel embarrassed and ashamed.

“We are doing all we can to bring distraction burglars and bogus callers to justice and have seen success this year in doing so.

“But we need local people to help. All incidents should be reported to the police as soon as possible. There is nothing embarrassing about being duped by one of these crooks and we are used to dealing with this type of crime.

“If you are a victim of doorstep crime, try to remember what the caller looked like and pass this description on to police. If necessary write this down before the police arrive to make sure you do not forget potentially vital details.”

Supt Betts is also urging those who have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour to look out for them during the holidays to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of doorstep crime.

He added: “This year the Christmas holiday period runs from Thursday to Sunday so is an extended break of four days.

“Take time to look in on your vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are safe, have enough food and drink and are not targeted by criminals.

“But think about when you are going to visit. Arrange a date and time to drop in and ensure you stick to this.

“Part of the work around beating bogus callers and distraction burglars is for vulnerable people to be wary whenever people call at the home unannounced.

“Don’t let them drop their guard by being an unexpected visitor.”

If you have been a victim of doorstep crime or have information to pass on to police, call 0845 458 0000. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.